
sttmitHUKii 




Glass— 
Book- 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



jmiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiirniiniiiiuiriiiitiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiiritiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiHiiHiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiii'iiiitiuHiiiiii iiiimiiiiii 



"ALL oF^TME^ALflMO 




f^ 


ajgfcjCg/jI; *'!ife "1^ ^ ,1 J i^-^ 


■ 




n 


L^^ 


I^^I^H 


PB 




^1^^ 


^^S 


■^*4£^':?5i^Hi 


IB 




n^un 


^M 


^^™ 


H 




ran 


"^^'•^-^^^^^^gi 


M 








_SS^i^^ 


m 




RM 



March, 
fl. D. 1836. 



♦♦♦♦ 



COL. JNO. S. FORD, Author. 



iiniHMniMHiiiiiKi»iniiiii»uiMtrMnMHiiiHiinuiiniHiiuiiiiMui»niiiiriiii»iiMiiiiiiiiiiiii»iiiiiiiiiH»ntnMiMit»itiiinitnii 



F^>^,:-.^^5^. 




k 



ORIGIN AND 



Fall of the Alamo 



MARCH 6, 1836. 



^ 



By John S. Ford, ; 

\ 

One of a Committee of the Alamo Association. ^ 

"SEP18 1896 ) 



1896: 

Johnson Rkothkks Pkintini; Company, 
Sail AiiUiiio, Texas. 



.H'\ 



San Antonio, May 30, 1895. 
T/ie Committee , appointed to prepare a History of the Alamo, re- 
port as follows: 

In treating of the Alamo it is due to the people of Texas to 
give, at least, a short account of the settlement of Americans in 
Texas, and of the causes leading to the revolution of 1835 and 
1836. There were Americans in Texas previous to the advent of 
Moses Austin, December, 1820. Anterior to this period of time 
Americans had entered Texas with a view of assisting the revolu- 
tionists in the war they were waging against the King of Spain. 
They effected good service on several occasions. In the interior 
portions of Mexico Americans rendered considerable aid to the 
Mexicans. The United States in throwing off the yoke of 
England was an example many States in America endeavored to 
imitate. The effect of these causes gave to Americans a distin- 
guished consideration. It was, no doubt, one of the main 
inducements causing a favorable answer to be made to Moses 
Austin when he applied for authority to introduce settlers into 
Texas. This authority was granted in 182 1. 

It must be remembered that L,a Salle had entered Texas in 
1685, and had made a settlement of Frenchmen, and had built 
Fort St. Ivouis, on the Lavacca river. This fact, with others of a 
later date, induced the Viceroy of Mexico, the Duke of Linares, 
to take steps for the permanent occupation of Texas. He sent 
Don Domingo Ramon with troops, and a party of Franciscan 
friars to civilize and christianize Indians. This occurred in 17 15. 
Ramon established some forts and missions. He located a fort, 
ox presidio as the Spaniards call them, on San Pedro creek, three- 
fourths of a mile from the public square of the city of San 
Antonio. The name given to this presidio was San Antonio de 
Valero. In 1718 the Franciscans established a mission at this 
place. It ,was removed on more than one occasion, and was 
located on what is now the Military plaza of San Antonio. From 
there it was^removed, in 1718, to its present site, the east bank of 
the San Antonio,'river, and is known as the church of the Alamo. 
It received a supply of water by means of the Alamo ditch — 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 3 

Acequia Madre del Alamo. The erection of the church was com- 
menced in 17 16. It faces to the west. There were other build- 
ings connected with the church. East of the church stood the 
Convent, 191 feet in length; it ran north to the south line of East 
Houston street. There was an enclosure north of the Convent 
5-ard. There wfere houses attached to the mission, which had 
been inhabited. Outside of the mission were houses occupied, at 
one time by christianized Indians. The}^ abandoned them when 
the Texians took possession of the Alamo. It was in these houses 
that the Texians found eighty or ninety bushels of corn. The 
walls of the Alamo and the adjoining building were too exten- 
sive to be occupied and defended by 150 men. 

After the death of Moses Austin, his son, Stephen F. Austin, 
proceeded to carry into effect the introduction of settlers into 
Texas. 

Great attention to Texas had been drawn by the reports of 
men who had been engaged with officers who had entered Texas 
to aid the Mexicans in achieving their independence. It was 
known tnat Mexico was encouraging emigration. When Austin 
visited the City of Mexico, he found 'a number of influential 
gentlemen asking for permission to become empresarios, that is, 
to become leaders of immigrants. They were offered, and, as a 
rule, received a grant of land for the introduction of each person. 
Austin succeeded, and began his settlements on the Brazos river. 
Other gentlemen were also successful. The country began to 511 
up with .settlers. It was full of Indians, who were opposed to 
the introduction of white people. They waged an incessant and 
cruel war upon the Texians. 

The leaders in Mexico became jealous of the accession of 
Americans as citizens. They evinced their opposition by acts of 
oppression. The American settlers had sworn to obey and sup- 
port the Mexican constitution of 1824. By several acts of Gen. 
Santa Anna indicating his intention to assume the dictatorial 
position the people of Texas became assured of his intention to 
overthrow the constitution of 1824. The people of Texas had 
given the Mexican government some very convincing proofs of 
their intention not to submit to the exercise of any illegal and 
tyrannical acts against them. 

The government of the United States had proposed to pay 
the Mexican government $4,000,000 for Texas. This proposition 



4. ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

angered the Mexicans and increased their antipathy to Texians. 
They began to persecute them by sending troops, not to chastise 
Indians, but to check and punish Texians for their adhesion to 
correct and liberal principles. These military aiders of tyranny 
were expelled from Texas. One of these envoys of a despotic 
president was an American by birth, Col. Bradburn. He robbed 
Texians, and made prisoners of William B. Travis, Patrick H. 
Jack and Monroe Edwards. The Texians embodied, elected Col. 
Francis W. Johnson to command. By their representations to 
Col. Piedras, commander at Nacogdoches, Col. Bradburn was 
removed from Texas. This event took place in 1831. Bradburn 
was posted at Anahuac. On June 25th Capt. John Austin, at 
the head of sixty men, defeated Lt.-Col. Ugartechea, at Fort 
Velasco. He had 125 men. August 2, 1832. Col. James W. 
Bullock defeated Col. Piedras at Nacogdoches. These affairs 
took place while President Bustamente was in power in Mexico. 
The Texians took sides with Santa Anna at that time. He was 
beaten by Gen. Santa Anna, who succeeded to the presidency of 
Mexico. The people of Texas, reposing confidence in Santa 
Anna, declared for him. He had been one of the heroes in the 
Mexican struggle for independence. He soon undeceived them; 
became dictator; overthrew the constitution of 1824, and issued 
an order for the disaiming of the people — one man out of every 
five hundred was allowed to own a hre lock. On May 16, 1833, 
Santa Anna took his seat as President of Mexico. At that date 
Stephen F. Austin was a prisoner in the City of Mexico. Austin 
had belonged to a convention to form a constitution for Texas. 
That body elected Austin, W. H. Wharton and Miller to present 
to the President of Mexico a statement of affairs in Texas. It 
was written by David G. Burnet, afterwards President of Texas. 
Stephen F. Austin was the only person who visited Mexico. 
This was in March, 1833. Santa Anna, at that time, had retired 
from the Mexican capitol. He was .scheming to effect the work 
he afterwards performed, that is, to be made President under 
laws he dictated. He, after various trials to have Austin 
condemned by the court, allowed him to return to Texas. He 
arrived in September, 1835. 

Col. Austin found the people of Texas in great excitement. 
They had discovered that Santa Anna was unfriendly to them. 
The municipalities of different .sections had held public meetings, 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 5- 

and announced their intention to support the Mexican constitu- 
tion of 1824. It must be reuierabered that the Indians had made 
war upon them, and they were compelled, as a measure of per- 
sonal safety, to carry arms at all times. Circumstances made 
them watchful and efficient soldiers. War was forced upon them ; 
necessity causer" them to bear arms ; God had implanted in their 
natures the principles of honor and integrity ; and practice had 
converted them into heroes in the cause of right. 

The Texians appealed to their fellow citizens of Mexico with- 
out effect. They used every effort in their power to prove their 
disposition to be peaceful and useful citizens of the Republic of 
Mexico. It was aH of no avail. In 1834 Santa Anna determined 
to send 4,000 troops to San Antonio. He sent Colonel Juan N. 
Almonte into Texas ; as a spy, no doubt. On October 13, 1834, 
the first revolutionary meeting in Texas was held at San Antonio. 
They approved the calling of a convention at that place, to meet 
November 15. This motion was made by Don Erasmo Seguin. 
October 20th another meeting was held at San Felipe, They pro- 
posed the dissolution of Texas from the State of Coahuila. 

In January, 1835, the Congress of Mexico met. The State of 
Zacetecas had declared for the constitution of 1824. The Con- 
gress declared Zacetecas in a state of rebellion. This induced 
General Santa Anna to head 3,400 men to march into Zacetecas. 
May 10, 1835, Don Francisco Garcia, at the head of 5,^00 troops, 
was defeated by Santa Anna. The City of Zacetecas was deliv- 
ered to the Mexican soldiers, and was plundered for two days. 
The people of Texas now saw what they might expect from 
President Santa Anna. General Cos, a brother-in-law of Santa 
Anna, was ordered from Matamoros to Monclova to disperse the 
legislature of Coahuila, which he accomplished 

Meantime, the people were preparing to meet the coming war. 
The municipali'des resolved to do their duty. In July, 1835, 
Ivorenzo de Zavala, late Governor of the State and City of Mexico, 
arrived in Texas. He was made Minister to France, but fled 
from Santa Anna. The Texians formed committees of public 
safety. July 17, 1835, there was a meeting of representatives of 
the municipalities of Austin, Columbia and Mina, held at San 
Felipe. They did some good. 

The Mexican forces were expected in October to aid in the 
change of government in Texas. Immigrants from the United 



6 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

States, since the law of April 6, 1830, were to be driven from the 
country. A long list of proscribed Texians had been prepared. 
They were to be arrested and tried by drum-head court. Slaves 
were to be freed. Empresarios dismissed — none but emigrants 
from Mexico admitted. These were among the objects proposed 
to be accomplished. These intended changes spurred the Tex- 
ians on to resistance. 

In 1835 the command of Capt. Tenorio, at Auahuac, were cap- 
tured by Col. Wm. B. Travis. The Texians of Columbus issued a 
call for "a consultation of all Texas." It was dated August 20, 
1835. Col. Ugartechea was removed from command, at Goliad, by 
Gen. Cos ; Col. Candelle took his place. He stripped Goliad of 
arms, forced the citizens to become soldiers, and ordered five s )1- 
diers to be quartered on each family. He placed the alcade in 
jail, and forced the administrador to hand over $5,000, under pen- 
alty of going to San Antonio in two hours, on foot. Gen. Cos 
reached San Antonio late in September, 1835. 

In 1 83 1 a piece of artillery had been furnished the town of 
Gonzales by the commandant at San Antonio. Ugartechea, in 
San Antonio, in 1835, sent a messenger to df.mand the cannon. 
It was refused. Cos ordered Capt. Castonado to take one hun- 
dred men and secure the cannon. He reached Gonzales Septem- 
ber 29, 1835. 

During the interval the committee of safety had sent runners to 
procure men. The men came. They numbered 168, and elected 
John H. Moore, Colonel, and J. W. E. Wallace I^ieut. -Colonel. 
The Texians crossed the river Guadalupe, and firing occurred — 
some Mexicans reported killed. Capt. Castonado retreated. This 
affair opened the revolution. 

The Texians felt the importance of united action and prepara- 
tion. The committee of safety agreed to send one of their num- 
ber from each municipality to San Felipe, for the purpose of pro- 
curing unity and concert in measures. Of this R. R. Royall was 
cho.sen president. The people of San Augustine nominated Gen. 
Sam Houston to command her troops. Nacodoches approved the 
suggestion. The money paid for land and custom-house dues 
was appropriated by the Texians. Efforts were made to secure 
arms and ammunition. The people were united. The spirit of 
'76 was in the ascendant. Eess than 100,000 in population, 
threw down the gauntlet to an organized government of 8,000,- 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. y 

OCX). They knew the penalty of failure was death in all its hor- 
rible forms. 

The volunteers arrived daily at Gonzales. They made a propo- 
sition to defer the meeting of the consultation till November ist. 
October 12th five hundred men crossed the Guadalupe river, des- 
tined for San Antonio. The resolution had been formed to drive 
every Mexican soldier out of Texas. Stephen F. Austin arrived 
at Gonzales October loth. He was elected General. The fight 
at Mission Concepcion took place on October 28 The Texians 
numbered ninety, the Mexicans several hundred. Victory perched 
on the banner of the revolutionists. 

The members of the consultation in the Texas army were per- 
mitted to proceed to San Felipe. The army besieged San Anto- 
nio. Gen. Austin was appointed to visit the United States to pro- 
cure men and means. His colleagues were Dr. Branch T. Archer 
and W. H. Wharton. Edward Burleson was elected to command. 
On December 10, 1835, Gen. Cos surrendered. 

The incidents of the siege of S m Antonio are worthy of notice. 
It was reported in the Texian camp that Col. Ugartechea was on 
his way with reinforcements for Gen. Cos. A force of Texians 
under Col. Bowie, with Deaf Smith as guide, was sent out to inter- 
cept Ugartechea. Gen. Cos had sent men out to obtain a supply 
of grass for his horses. They were on their return and about five 
miles from the city they were discovered. When they were within 
a mile of town the Texians, under Bowie, charged them. A fight 
ensued. The Mexicans were endeavoring to reach their head- 
quarters. Gen. Cos detached reinforcements. The main body of 
the Texas troops came up. They charged, and the Mexicans con- 
tinued to fight, though moving for town. Their loss was about 
fifty killed and a number wounded. The Texians had none killed, 
two wounded and one missing. They captured about seventy head 
of horses. This affair is known as the ''Grass Fight." It occurred 
November 26, 1835. 

Dr. Grant created trouble by advocating a campaign against 
Matamoros, Mexico. Two hundred and fifty were deluded into 
the belief that the Mexicans were ripe for driving Santa Anna 
out of Mexico. November 29th Grant was reported to have two 
hundred and fifty men ready to march to the Rio Grande. The 
annexed happenings, no doubt, prevented Dr. Grant from divid- 
ing the Texas force. 



8 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

December 3, 1835, Messrs. John W. Smith, Holmes and Samuel 
Maverick entered the Texas lines. They had been detained by 
Gen. Cos since the affair at Gonzales. They reported the strength 
of the enemy as exaggerated. The idea of storming San Antonio 
had been suggested and advocated. It was popular. Meantime, 
about the 4th of December, Arnold, the Texas guide, had returned. 
Lieutenant Vuavis, of the Mexican army, had deserted, and was 
examined by Gen. Burleson. He reported dissatisfaction in the 
Mexican camp ; that the strength in the city was much less than 
supposed. On the evening of that day Col, Benjamin R. Milam 
cried aloud, " Who will go with old Ben Milam to San Antonio ? " 
There was a general shout of approval. The parties advocating 
the scheme assembled at Gen. Burleson's headquarters. They 
fell into line, and at once elected Milam to lead them. He directed 
them to meet him at the old mill at night to complete arrange- 
ments. Gen. Burleson and the whole command said the matter 
met their approbation. At the mills the attacking party was 
formed in two divisions. The first under the immediate command 
of Col. Milam, assisted by Col. Nidland Franks of the artillery, 
and Major R. C. Morris of the New Orleans Greys. Mes.sr.s. Mav- 
erick, Cooke and Arnold acted as guides. The .second column 
was commanded by Col. Frank W. Johnson, assisted by Colonels 
James Grant and Wm. T. Austin, with Deaf Smith and John W. 
Smith as guides. Gen. Burleson agreed to bold his position until 
the result of the attack was known. Col. J. C. Neill was directed 
to make a feint upon the Alamo to direct the attention of the 
enemy, while the others were entering the town. The attacking 
party consisted of three hundred and one men. The companies of 
Captains York, Dickinson, English and Ward, composed the first 
division, under Colonel Milam, commander. The companies of 
Captains Cooke, Breese, Peacock, Swisher and Edwards, formed 
the second division under Col. Johnson. 

Col. Neill performed his part. He opened fire on the Alamo, 
and drew the attention of the enemy to that quarter. When he 
heard the guns of Milam on the opposite side of the river he with- 
drew. Milam moved on Acequia street (Ditch street). Johnson 
entered Soledad .street (Solitary street). The.se two streets run 
nearly south on parallel lines, and enter the Main square, the first 
at the northwest and the other at the northeast corner. At these 
points the enemy had erected works. Milam's division occupied 




MISSION CONCEPCION 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. g 

de la Garza's house, Johnson the Veramendi house. Both these 
houses were about one hundred yards from the Main square. 
The Veramendi house is still standing. The door on the street 
side shows signs where l)alls passed through. On approaching 
the Veramendi house a sentinel fired on the Texians. He was 
killed b}' Deaf Smith. Upon this, the Mexicans began a furious 
firing from the town and the Alamo. A twelve pounder and a 
six-pounder accompanied the two divisions. The twelve-pounder 
was soon dismounted, and the six-pounder made about useless. 
The Texians covered themselves with difficulty. They soon 
opened fire with their rifles, and silenced all the artillery within 
their reach. The fight continued during the day. The Texians 
established communication between the two divisions. That day, 
the 5th ot December, they lost one man killed and twelve wounded. 
Among the wounded were Lieutenants Hall and Deaf Smith. 

During the night the enemy kept up a continuous fire. Tlie^'^ 
placed men on tops of houses in their possession. They cut loop- 
holes in the parapet walls of the houses. 

On the 6th the Mexicans kept up a steady fire of cannon and 
small arms. On that day Lieut. Wm. McDonald, of Capt. Crane's 
company, captured a house to the right and a little in advance of 
de la Garza's house. This extended the Texas line westwardly 
and in direction of the Military Plaza. They strengthened their 
works and remounted their twelve-pounder. On this day they 
had five men wounded 

The morning of the third day the enemy fired briskly from a 
trench between the Alamo and the river. By 11 o'clock this fire 
was silenced, and that of some of the Mexican artillery. A 
house stood between the Garza house and the plaza buildings. 
This was entered by the gallant Karnes, crow-bar in hand, backed 
by the company of Captain York. They held the position. In 
the evening the fire of the Mexicans was brisk. Colonel Milam 
was killed at the back of the Veramendi house. He was buried 
near where he fell. Captain Swisher was present at the burial, 
and afterwards pointed out the exact spot. This was an incen- 
tive inducing Texians to strike for vengeance. 

Yoakum says: They immediately^ set on foot a party to take 
possession of the house of Antonio Navarro, .situated on the 
north side of the Main street, one block west of the Main plaza, 
l)ut commanding a portion of the Military plaza, and the Mexi- 



lo ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

can redoubt on the second block west of the main square. The 
party consisted of portions of the companies of Captains I^lewy- 
llen. English, Crane and York. They advanced from the house 
taken by Karnes, and forced an entrance. The enemy endeav- 
ored to retake it by firing through the loop-holes made in the 
roof; but the Texians returned the fire through the snme loop- 
holes, and drove them off. 

On the 8th of December the "Zambrano Row" was taken. 
The thick partition walls were penetrated by crow-bars. The 
fight was fierce and subborn, but the enemy were finally expelled. 
General Burleson sent a detachment under Lieutenant Gill to 
assist the Texians. The Mexicans attempted a diversion by 
sending a detachment of about fifty men in the direction of the 
Texas camp. They were forced to retire by the fire of a six- 
pounder. The occupants of the the '"Zambrano Row" were re- 
inforced by the companies of Captains Swisher, Alley, Kdwards 
and Duncan. At this time the Texians had command of the 
northwest portion of the enemy's main defen.ses. 

On December 8th, at night, a party of about one hundred 
Texians attacked the "Priest's House." It commanded the 
plaza. In approaching the building the men were subjected to 
a heavy fire. They moved rapidly, broke down the wall of an 
outbuilding, and drove the Mexicans from the "Priest's House." 
They cut loop-holes, and prepared to use their rifles with effect 
when daylight appeared. The enemy abandoned the square and 
retired to the Alamo. 

On the morning of December 9th General Cos sent in a flag of 
truce, proposing to surrender. Cos had been reinforced by five 
hundred convicts, conducted by Col. Ugartechea. They were 
chained and guarded by one hundred infantry. They were a 
source of trouble and disquietude. In addition, there was a 
derth of provisions. The force of General Cos was estimated at 
800 previous to the arrival of the "volunteers." After that his 
force consisted of 1,400 men. The.se he surrendered, December 
10, 1835. He pledged that he and his men were not to fight 
against the Texians, unless exchanged. He Tvas allowed to pur- 
chase provisions. He begun his march to Laredo on the 14th 
day of December, at the head of i, 105 troops. The balance were 
allowed to remain in obedience to terms of capitulation. The 
Mexican loss was about 150 killed. The Texian loss very small. 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. ii 

The disabled and sick Mexicans were allowed to remain, and 
were cared for by the victors. 

Col. Johnson, the leader of the attacking party after the fall of 
Col. Milam, remained in command at San Antonio for a short 
while. He is now dead. 

Gen. Edward Bnrle.son returned to his home. He was after- 
wards Vice-President of the Republic of Texas. He died in the 
year 1851. 

Samuel Maverick was a zealous, useful, and efficient friend of 
Texas. He was an able citizen, and filled many places of trust. 
He died several years since. He had the good will, and pos- 
•sessed the confidence of his fellow citizens. 

The writer took account of the siege of San Antonio princi- 
pally from Yoakum's history. He had no time to consult other 
accounts. 

Mrs. Bradley deserves mention as one of the old-timed resi- 
dents of San Antonio. 

The consultation met November ist. They consisted of 55 
members. They elected Sam Houston General in Chief, Henry 
Smith Governor and James W. Robinson Lieutenant-Governor of 
Texas. They left one member from each municipality to assist 
the Governor in the discharge of his duties — about 15. These 
were not all present at one time; part of them went home, and 
returned. They differed with Governor Smith; quarrelled with 
him; assumed unqualified authority, and assumed to displace the 
Governor from office, electing J. W. Robinson Governor. All 
this was done without the sanction of law. These gentlemen 
were, no doubt, patriots. They appointed men to fill military 
offices, intending to invade Mexico. The Texians butchered at 
San Patricio, Refugio and Goliad, resulted from the action of 
the opponents of Governor Smith. General Houston attempted 
to concentrate the army, but his orders were not obeyed. This 
trouble was the cause of the failure to send men to reinforce Travis 
at the Alamo. 

After the surrender of General Cos many of the Texians re- 
turned to their homes. A garrison was left at San Antonio, under 
command of Col. Neill. Dr. Grant revived his project of a cam- 
paign against Matamoros. He illegally took possession of winter 
clothing, ammunition, provisions, and in addition induced a large 
number of the garrison to follow him. He seized private prop- 



[2 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

erty, without authority. He left and proceeded to San Patricio, 
where outside the town he was attacked by General Urrea, and 
his party all killed. His coadjutor, Colonel Frank W. Johnson 
was at San Patricio with men. They were surprised, defeated 
and many of them killed. General Urrea had moved from Mata- 
moros. He destroyed the command of Colonel Fannin. They 
surrendered as pri.soners, and the main portion of them were 
afterwards shot, by order of General Santa Anna, in violation of 
the rules of civilized warfare. The Alamo had previously fallen. 
The number of soldiers who had been sacrificed by the vaulting 
ambition of a few leaders, and the acts of a few members of the 
consultation, amounted to nearly one thousand. These, if they 
had obeyed General Houston's order to fall back, and concen- 
trate, would have been able to meet Santa Anna on the outskirts 
of the settlements, beaten hira, and secured peace. 

After Dr. Grant had stripped San Antonio of men and means 
there was left of the garrison 150 men. They had been poorly 
paid. Col. Neill had received orders to burn the Alamo, destroy 
what he was unable to remove, and march to a designated place. 
He has never published his reason for disobedience of orders. 
He left, it is averred, to procure transportation for the arms, and 
public property, in the city. Deaf Smith accompanied him, 
which was a deprivation to the men of the garrison. About this 
time Colonel Travis arrived; he brought about thirty men. He 
assumed command of the regulars. Colonel Bowie commanded the 
volunteers. He had visited the different commands aiming to 
march into Mexico, and endeavored to persuade them to desi.>-t, 
and obey oiders. He came to San Antonio; it was his home. 
After the departure of Deaf Smith there was no one the Texians 
placed confidence in who could inform them of the approach of 
General Santa Anna. He was expected, but no one knew when 
he would arrive. Colonel Seguin was in the employ of the 
Texians. He was afterwards in the battle of San Jacinto. He 
sent a relative to L,aredo. He returned and reported General 
Santa Anna at Laredo, at the head of an arjny. The Texians 
would not believe him. 

General Santa Anna proceeded up the Rio Grande to a point 
opposite Presidio Rio Grande, to effect a junction with troops 
coming from the State of Coahuila. At Laredo he met the 
retiring troops of General Cos. This command was forced to 



ORIGIN AND PALL OF THE ALAMO. rj 

violate the terms of their surrender, and return to Texas. Santa 
Anna marched upon the road direct from Presidio Norte to San 
Antonio. Prairie fires had destroyed the grass. Sergeant Be- 
cerra, of Santa Anna's army, affirms that the members of a 
mounted regiment had to walk and lead their horses. The want 
of provender had rendered them unable to carry a soldier. Gen- 
eral Santa Anna issued orders on the march, indicating his inten- 
tion to treat Texians with the most relentless severity When the 
Mexican command reached the Medina, Sergeant Becerra said 
General Santa Anna was visited by a Mexican gentleman of San 
Antonio. Senor Navarro. The General asked questions about 
the Texians. He was informed there was a fandango in the 
city, and quite all the Texians were in attendance, no doubt. 
The General expressed an intention to move at once, and sur- 
prise them. A very heavy rain had fallen recently. The Medina 
was quite full. The army had camped on both sides the stream. 
The ammunition wagons were on the south side, and could not 
be passed over with apparent safety. There was no boat with 
the Mexican command. In a conversation, General Santa Anna 
is reported to have said, that the Mission of Concepcion was 
better calculated to be defended by a small party than the Alamo, 
and he anticipated the Texians would occupy it. 

February 23, 1836, the Mexican army, 4000 strong, formed by 
the Desiderio hill. A Texian sentinel on the church, between 
Main and Military Plazas, reported a force in view. A man went 
up. The sentinel said the force had been moved. A spirited 
altercation ensued. The report of the sentinel caused excite- 
ment. In order to arrive at the truth Colonel Travis directed 
Dr. John Sutherland and Mr. J. W. Smith to ride out and see. 
They proceeded to Desiderio hill, looked below, and saw an army 
drawn up, not far from them. They retreated rapidly. Suther- 
land's horse moved badly. His feet seemed clogged with mud. 
He turned over, topsy-turvy, fell on vSutherland, crippled him 
and broke his gun. He laid on Sutherland till Smith alighted, 
and pulled him off. When they reached the public square the 
Texians were retiring to the Alamo. On their march they came 
upon a herd of cattle, twenty-five or thirty in number. These 
they drove into the Alamo. 

Dr. Sutherland wrote an account of the fall of the Alamo. It 
is the nearest evidence of one of the noble defenders of the Alamo 



i^ ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

we have. The wounds he received from the fall of his horse 
rendered him incapable of bearing arms. He was employed in 
the effort to procure reinforcements to the garrison of the Alamo. 
This will be noticed hereafter. According to Dr. Sutherland 
General Santa Anna sent a couple of officers, under a white flag. 
They were met by Major Morris and Captain Martin, at a foot- 
bridge on the river, about where Commerce street crosses the 
San Antonio river. The Mexican officers demanded an uncon 
ditional surrender, which was refused. As an answer. Colonel 
Travis ordered a cannon to be fired at the part of town occupied 
by the Mexican troops. 

As stated by Sergeant Becerra, Gen. Santa Anna intended to 
cross the river below town, out of reach of the fire of the Texian 
artillery. To obtain wood for the construction of a bridge, he 
directed Gen. Castrillon to proceed with two companies of the 
Matamoros battalion to the neighborhood of the Alamo, and take 
wood from the houses. Gen. Castrillon endeavored to obej' the 
order. He reached the designated point, and was .soon under the 
fire of the Texians. In a short while Castrillon reported to Santa 
Anna, saying in substance : "If you wish any of the two compa- 
nies of the battalion to remain alive you had better order them to 
retire at once." They were withdrawn. Within a few minutes 
they had lost thirty men. Gen. Castrillon reported having met 
two ladies. The result of the annunciation was the performance 
of a mock marriage ceremony — Gen. Santa Anna as groom, and 
a beautiful Mexican woman as bride, and a rascally Mexican 
soldier as priest. 

Becerra states : ' Col. Mora was ordered to take position north 
and east of the Alamo to prevent escape from the fort." — "A 
small fort was commenced above the Alamo." This was finished, 
but was not approved by Gen. Santa Anna. Another fort was 
constructed by Gen. Amador, nearer the Alamo, on the hill to 
the northeast. The firing from the Alamo was kept up with 
spirit. 

The intention of Gen. Santa Anna was to take the Alamo by 
escalade He brought 4,000 troops to Texas. He awaited the 
arrival of Gen. Tolsa, in command of 2,000 troops. He arrived 
on the 3d day of March. The t xultation and shouts of the Mexi- 
cans on that day induced Dr. Sutherland to believe that Santa 
Anna came onithat date. 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 15 

Here the Doctor's estimate of the Texian force will be given: 

"The strength of the Texians at Bexar now consisted of one 
hundred and fifty-two men. Eighty of these were a part of the 
original garrison, who had not caught the Matnmoros fever ; 
twenty-five had returned with Col. Bowie from Goliad. Colonel 
Travis had brought with him about twenty ; Colonel Crockett 
twelve ; Captain Patten eleven. These detachments, with their 
respective commanders, make the number. A few days after their 
concentration, some twenty Mexicans of the city joined them, 
increasing the number to one hundred and seventy two." 

Counting the commanders of these bodies and the twenty Mex- 
icans increases the number to 192. The idea suggesting itself to 
any sensible man would be, what did Gen Santa Anna wait for 
Gen. Tolsa for? He had 4,000 men. Was he doubtful of attack- 
ing less than 200 men ? An expressive compliment to the bravery 
of the soldiers of Texas. Texas had not paid them. They had 
not been supplied with medicine, until Dr. Sutherland had been 
been appointed surgeon. They had nothing to eat but beef and 
corn bread. These supplies were obtained by accident, as has 
been seen. There was a spirit in these men that no earthly power 
could conquer. Death could visit the body. The heroic resolu- 
tion passed hence with the soul to another world, unchanged and 
unchangeable. The love of liberty, the determination to main- 
tain it, is a gift from God. In the garrison of t.ie Alamo it ruled. 

On the 24th of February Colonel Travis wrote an appeal to the 
people of Texas : 

'* COMMANDANCY OF THE Alamo, Bexar, February 24, 1836. 

" Fellow-Citizens and Compatriots: I am beseiged by a thou- 
sand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sus- 
tained a continued bombardment for twenty-four hours, and have 
not lost a man. The enemy have demanded a surrender at dis- 
cretion ; otherwise, the garrison is to be put to the sword if the 
place is taken. I have answered the summons with a cannon 
shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall 
never surrender or 7^etreaL Then I call on you in the name of 
liberty, of patriotism, and of everything dear to the American 
character, to come to our aid with all dispatch. The enemy are 
receiving reinforcements daily, and will no doubt increase to 
three or four thousand in four or five days. Though this call 
may be neglected, I am determined to sustain my.self as long as 



i6 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

possible, and die like a soldier who forgets not what is due to his 
own honor and that of his country. Victory or death ! 

" W. Barret Travis, 
' ' Lieate)iant-Colo7iel Cowmanding . ' ' 

" P. S. — The Lord is on our side. When the enemy appeared 
in sight, we had not three bushels of corn. We have since found 
in deserted houses eighty or ninet}' bushels, and got into the 
walls twenty or thirty head of beeves. " T." 

Col. Travis was unapprised of Santa Anna's number ot soldiers. 
He spoke of what he had seen. Why was his appeal not answered 
by the appearance of reinforcements ? The reason is obvious — 
the trouble between the Governor and the committee rai.sed to 
assist him. Th's committee had forwarded the forces of Texas 
to Goliad and San Patricio. They had as far as they could super- 
seded Gen. Houston as commander-in-chief. At the same time 
they had named no one to take his place. Col. Fannin and Col. 
Johnson each expected to be commandant of the army to invade 
Mexico. Had they united their forces they could have defeated 
the force under Gen. Urrea. He defeated them in detail. Gov. 
Smith, to whom Gen. Houston remained faithful, after his trouble 
with the committee, granted the General a furlough till March 
I St. The people of Texas were uncertain what they should do. 
They did little during the period, and the Alamo fell. 

Col. Travis wrote to Col. Fannin, February 23d, asking him 
to come to his relief. Fannin failed from want ot transportation. 
Gen. Santa Anna was notified of Fannin's effort to reinforce Travis. 
On the 29th of February he dispatched Gen. Sesma, with a force, 
to meet Fannin. The return of Fannin to Goliad prevented his 
meeting Gen. Sesma. 

Dr. Sutherland and John W. Smith were sent to procure rein- 
forcements for Col. Travis. They visited Gonzales. There they 
obtained thirty-two recruits. These they conducted to the neigh- 
borhood of San Antonio. Smith conducted them to the Alamo, 
March ist. Sutherland, still unable to perform militar}^ service, 
remained outside. 

The fight continued without abatement. On the 3d of March 
Col. Travis made his last appeal for help to the President of the 
Convention, which convened at Washington on the ist of the 
month. Among expressions used were the following : " The 
blood-red ])anners v\hich waved on the Church at Bexar, and the 




ii '■m Ai&M 



-mmmMmm 







MISSION SAN JOSE 



ORIGIN AND PALL OF THE ALAMO. 17 

carap above him, were tokens that the war was one of vengeance 
against rebels." To a friend in Washington he wrote ; " Take 
care of my little boy. If the country should be saved, I may 
make him a splendid fortune ; but if the country should be lost, 
and I perish, he will have nothing but the proud recollection 
that he is the son of a man who died for his country." 

William Corner wrote a history of San Antonio in which is pub- 
lished Sidney Lanier's Historical Sketch. He notices the with- 
drawal of the Mexican troops from the Alamo, March 3d. The 
following is given as incidents of that day. 

"About two hours before sunset on the 3rd of March, 1836, 
the bombardment suddenly ceased, and the enemy withdrew an 
unusual distance. * "^ '-^ Colonel Travis collected all his 
effective men in a single file, and taking his position in front of 
the centre, he stood for some moments apparently speechless from 
emotion; then nerving himself for the occasion, he addressed them 
substantially as follows: 

" 'My companions: Stern necessity compels me to employ the 
few moments afforded by this probably brief cessation of conflict, 
in making known the most interesting, yet the most solemn, 
melancholy and yet unwelcome fact that humanity can realize. 
* * =^ Our fate is sealed. Within a few days, perhaps a very 
few hours, we must be in eternity ! I have deceived you long by 
the promise of help; but I crave your pardon, hoping that after 
hearing my explanation you will not only regard my conduct as 
pardonable, but heartily sympathize with me in my extreme 
necessity. * >!< * j have continually received the strongest 
assurances of help from home. Every letter from the council, 
and every one that I have seen from individuals at home, have 
teemed with assurances that our people were willing, ready and 
anxious to come to our relief. * * =k These assurances I 
received as facts. "■- -^ * In the honest and simple confidence 
of my heart I have transmitted you these promises of help and 
my confident hope of success. But the promised help has not 
come, and our hopes are not to be realized. I have evidently 
confided too much in the promises of our friends; but let us not 
be in haste to censure them. ^ * * Our friends were evi- 
dently not informed of our perilous condition in time to save us. 
Doubtless they would have been here by the time they expected 
any considerable force of the enemy. 



t8 origin and fall 01 THE ALAMO. 

" 'My calls on Colonel Fannin remain unanswered, and my 
messengers have not returned. The probabilities are that his 
whole command has fallen into the hands of the enemy, or been 
cut to pieces, and that our couriers have been cut off.' [So does 
this brave and simple soul refuse to feel any bitterness in the hour 
of death.] 'Then we must die. -^ * ^'- Our business is not 
to make fruitless effort to save our lives, but to choose the man- 
ner of our death. But three modes are presented to us; let us 
choose that by which we may best serve our country. Shall we 
surrender, and be deliberately shot without taking the life of a 
single enemy? Shall we try to cut our way out through the 
Mexican ranks, and be butchered before we can kill twenty of 
our adversaries? I am opposed to either method. * -■- ^ Let 
us resolve to withstand our enemies to the last, and at each ad- 
vance to kill as many of them as i;ossible. And when at last 
they shall storm our fortress, let us kill them as they come ! Kill 
them as they scale our walls ! Kill them as they leap within ! 
Kill them as they raise their weapons, and as they use them ! 
Kill them as they kill our companions ! and continue to kill them 
as long as one of us shall remain alive ! * * * But I leave 
every man to his own choice. Should any man prefer to sur- 
render * * * or attempt an escape * * * he is at liberty 
to do so. My own choice is to stay in the fort and die for my 
country, fighting as long as breath shall remain in my body. This 
will I do even if you leave me alone. Do as you think best; but 
no man can die with me without affording me comfort in the 
hour of death.' 

" Col. Travis then drew his sword, and with the point traced a 
line upon the ground extending from the right to the left of the 
file. Then resuming his positio i in front of the centre, he said : 
' I now want every man who is determined to stay here and die 
with me to come across this line. Who will be the first ? March ! ' 
The first respondent was Tapley Holland, who leaped the line at 
a bound, exclaiming, ' I am ready to die for my country-' His 
example was instantly followed by every man in the file, with 

exception of Ro.se . Every sick man that could walk, 

arose from his bunk, and tottered across the line. Col. Bowie, 
who could not leave his bed, said . ' Boys, I am not able to come 
to you, but I wish .some of you would be so kind as to move my 
cot over there.' Four men in.stantly ran to the cot, and each lift- 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 19 

ing a corner carried it over. Then every sick man that could not 
walk made the same request, and had his bunk moved in the 
same way. 

*' Rose was deeply affected, but differently from his compan- 
ions. He stood till every man but himself had crossed the line. 
He sank upon the ground, covered his face, and yielded to his 
own reflections. * * * A bright idea came to his relief ; he 
spoke the Mexican dialect very fluently, and could he once get 
out of the fort, he might easily pass for a Mexican and effect his 
escape. He directed a searching glance at rhe cot of Col. Bowie. 
Col. David Crockett was leaniug over the cot, conversing with 
its occupant in an undertone. After a few seconds Bowie looked 
at Rose and said : ' You seem not to be willing to die with us, 
Rose.' ' No, said Rose, ' I am not prepared to die, and shall 
not do so if I can avoid it.' Then Crockett also looked at him, 
and said : ' You may as well conclude to die with us, old man, 
for escape is impossible.' Rose made no reply, but looked at the 
top of the wall. ' I have often done worse than climb that wall,' 
thought he. Suiting the action to the thought, ue sprang up, 
seized his wallet of unwashed clothes, and ascended the wall. 
Standing on its top, he looked down within to take a last view of 
his dying friends. They were now all in motion, but what they 
were doing he heeded not ; overpowered by his feelings, he looked 
away, and saw them no more. -•- * * He threw down his 
wallet, and leaped after it. * * * He took the road which 
led down the river, around a bend to the ford, and through the 
town by the church. He waded the river at the ford, and passed 
through the town. He saw no person, * * * but the doors 
were all closed, and San Antonio appeared as a deserted city. 

" After passing through the town, he turned down the river. 
A stillness as of death prevailed. When he had gone about a 
([uarter of a mile below the town, his ears were saluted by the 
thunder of the bombardment, which was then renewed. That 
thunder continued to remind him that his friends were true to 
their cause, by a continued roar, with but slight intervals, until 
a little before sunrise on the morning of the 6th, when it ceased, 
and he heard it no more." 

Rose stopped at the house of Zuber. His account of the inci- 
dents of March 3d was published in the Texas Almanac of 1873. 
Mr. W. P. and Mary Ann Zuber are responsible for its authen- 



/ 



20 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

ticity as coming from Rose. Thej^ affirm that Rose proceeded to 
Nacogdoches county. 

After the arrival of Gen. Tolza there was, as previously stated, 
a suspension of operations for a time. The intentions of Gen. 
Santa Anna seems to have been to allow no cessation of attack, 
and to allow the small garrison of Texians no time to sleep. They 
were overworked, worn down, almost asleep when firing. 

Sergeant Becerra thus describes the preparations for a final 
assault : " On the 3d of March Gen. Tolza arrived. The great- 
est activity prevailed in every department. The plan of assault 
was formed and communicated to the commanders of corps, and 
others, on the 5th. On the same day ammunition, scaling ladders, 
etc., were distributed. Everything was made ready for the storm- 
ing. During the night troops were placed in position About 
three o'clock on the morning of the 6th the battalion Matamoros 
was marched to a point near the river, and above the Alamo. In 
their rear were two thousand men under Gen. Cos. Gen. Cas- 
trillon commanded this part of the army. Gen. Tolza's command 
held the ground below the Alamo. Gen. Santa Anna spent the 
night in the work near the Alamo. The troops were to march to 
the attack when the bugler at headquarters sounded the advance. 
* * * The bugle was sounded at 4 o'clock a. m., March 6, 1836. 

" The troops of Gen. Castrillon moved in silence. They reached 
the fort, planted scaling ladders, and commenced ascending, some 
mounted on the shoulders of others. A terrible fire belched from 
the interior. Men fell from the scaling ladders by the score, many 
pierced through the head by balls, others felled by clubbed guns. 
The dead and wounded covered the ground. After half an hour 
of fierce conflict, after the sacrifice of many lives, the column of 
Gen. Castrillon succeeded in making a lodgment in the upper 
part of the Alamo to the northeast. It was a sort of outwork. I 
think it is now used as a lot or courtyard. This seeming advant- 
age was a mere prelude to the desperate struggle which ensued. 
The doors of the Alamo building were barricaded by bags of sand 
as high as the neck of a man ; the windows also. On the top of 
the roofs of the different apartments were rows of sand bags to 
cover the beseiged. 

" Our troops, inspired by success, continued the attack with 
energy and boldness. The Texians fought like devils. It was at 
short range — muzzle to muzzle, hand to hand, musket and rifle, 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 21 

bayonet and bowie knife — all were mingled in confusion. Here a 
squad of Mexicans, there a Texian or two. The crash of firearms, 
the shouts of defiance, the cries of the dying and wounded, made 
a din almost infernal. The Texians defended desperately every 
inch of the fort — overpowered by numbers, they would be forced 
to abandon a room. They would rally in the next, and defend 
it until further resistance became impossible. 

" Gen. Tolza's command forced an entrance at the door of the 
church building. He met the same determined resistrnce without 
and within. He won by foice of numbers and a great sacrifice of 
life. 

" There was a long room on the ground floor. It was darkened. 
Here the fight was bloody. It proved to be the hospital. A detach- 
ment of which I had command had captured a piece of artillery. 
It was placed near the door of the hospital, doubly charged with 
grape and canister, and fired twice. We entered and found the 
corpses of fifteen Texians. On the outside we afterward found 
forty-two dead Mexicans. 

"On the top of the church building I saw eleven Texians 
They had some small pieces of artillery and were firing on the 
cavalry and on those engaged in making the escalade. Their 
ammunition was exhausted, and they were loading with pieces 
OS iron and nails. The captured piece was placed in a position 
to reach them, doubly charged, and fired with so much effect that 
they ceased working their pieces." 

Sergeant Becerra was of opinion that the last two men killed 
were Travis and Col. Crockett, though he admitted he did not 
know them personally, and might be mistaken as to their identity. 

" The Alamo, as has been stated, was entered at daylight ; the 
fight did not cease 'till 9 o'clock. * * * 

" Gen. Santa Anna directed Col. Mora to send out his cavalry 
to bring in wood. This was done. The bodies of the heroic 
Texians were burned. Their remains became offensive. They 
were afterward collected and buried by Col. Juan N. Seguin. 

Sergeant Becerra said : 

"There was an order to gather our own dead and wounded. 
It was a fearful sight. Our lifeless soldiers covered the ground 
surrounding the Alamo. They were heaped inside the fortress. 
Blood and brains covered the earth and floors, and had spattered 
the walls. The ghastly faces of our comrades met our gaze, an^ 



22 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

we removed them with despondent hearts. Our loss in front of 
the Alamo was represented at two thousand killed, and more than 
three hundred wounded. The killed were generally struck on 
the head. The wounds were in the neck, or shoulder, seldom 
below that. The firing of the be.Meged was fearfully precise. 
When a Texas rifle was leveled on a Mexican he was considered 
as good as dead. All this indicates the dauntless bravery and 
the cool self-possession of the men who were engaged in a hope- 
less conflict with an enemy numbering more than twenty to one. 
They inflicted on us a loss ten times greater than they sustained. 
The victory of the Alamo was dearly bought. Indeed, the price 
in the end was well-nigh the ruin of Mexico." 

The number of Texas dead at the Alamo was never accurately 
ascertained. It included the whole number of the volunteers 
beseiged. The number of Mexicans taking service with the 
Texians was stated at twenty or twenty-five. These were, many 
of them, sent out on various occasions by Col. Travis. When 
divested of their arms, it was no difficult matter to pass the Mex- 
ican on guard without much scrutiny'. Mrs. Candelaria, Colonel 
Bowie's nurse, gives the names of four Mexican's who were alive 
when the Alamo fell, or were killed fighting. Mrs. Alsbury, in 
her statement, mentions the killing of one Mexican after the 
Mexicans entered the Alamo. The Texians lost in the siege is 
not positively known. It was certainly less than two hundred. 

Dr. Sutherland endeavored to learn the exact loss of the Mexi- 
cans at San Antonio. He says : 

" The messenger who was sent by the Navarro family, at San 
Antonio, to Colonel Seguin, at Gonzales, four days after the fall, 
reported the enemy's loss to have been about fifteen hundred." 
Dr. Sutherland visited Gen. Santa Anna after he was made pris- 
oner at San Jacinto. He questioned Gen. Santa Anna's private 
secretary as to the number of men in the army at San Antonio, 
and the number killed in the operations. His reply, as stated by 
Dr. Sutherland, was, " we brought to San Antonio five thousand 
men, and lost during the siege fifteen hundred and forty-four of 
the best of them. The Texians fought more like devil's than 
men." Santa Anna and Almonte were both present at the time, 
and, if the statement had deviated far from the truth, for it cer- 
tainly derogated Irom their soldierly (qualifications) for them to 
have denied it, without scrupling to question the veracty of their 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF IHE ALAMO. 23 

fellow (prisoner.) That answer was, no doubt, made by Ramon 
Martinez Coro, who signed the order for the attack on the Alamo 
March 6th. The gentleman acting as interpreter was Captain 
Patten. Gen. Santa Anna and Col. Almonte were both present, 
and neither of them denied the allegation. Almonte was edu- 
cated in the United States, and spoke English fluently. 

Dr. Sutherland observes- "Ruiz says it was estimated at 
1,600," speaking ot the Mexican loss. Again, speaking of one 
charge made by the Toluca battalion, he says: "They com- 
menced to scale the walls and suffered severely. Out of 8jo men 
130 only were left alive." Dr. Sutherland argues that 670 were 
killed out of 800 men ; 1,600 slain in all would be no exaggera- 
tion. The writer came to Texas in 1836. There were then in 
San Augustine county Mexicans who were made prisoners at San 
Jacinto. They represented the Mexican loss at the Alamo at 
2,500. They may have meant the killed and wounded. 

Before referring to matters pertaining to Texians, the order of 
General Santa Anna to attack tbe Alamo, by scaling the walls, 
will be given. It may show that Sergeant Becerra's memory was 
defective in some particulars, but is more a corroboration of his 
version than a denial. 

"GENERAL ORDERS. " 

[For the private information of Generals of Division and Corps 
Commanders.] 

"As it becomes necessary to make a decisive movement against 
the enemy defending the fortress of the Alamo, His Excellency, 
the General-in-Chief, directs that by four o'clock on to-morrow 
morning the attacking columns shall be stationed within gunshot 
of their first line of intrenchments, for the purpose of making the 
assault, upon the signal to be given by His Excellency, which 
will be the sounding of the bugle from the north battery. 

"The first column will be commanded by General Don Martin 
Perfecto de Cos, and in his default, by me, (the Commander-in- 
Chiet). This column will be composed of the Aldamas battalion 
of regulars, with the exception of the company of Grenadiers, and 
the three first companies of the volunteer battalion of San Euis. 

"The second column will be commanded by General Don Fran- 
cisco Duque, and in his default, by General Don Manuel Fer- 



24- ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

nando Castrillon. This column will be composed of the three 
remaining companies of the San Luis battalion of volunteers. 

"The third column will be commanded by Colonel Don Jose 
Maria Romero, and in his default, by Colonel Don Mariano Salas. 
This column will be composed of the infantry companies, in full 
force, of the Matamoros and Jimenes battalions of regulars. 

"The fourth column will be commanded by Colonel Don Juan 
Morelos, and in his default, by Colonel Don Jose Minon. This 
column will be composed of the cavalry companies of the Mata- 
moros and Jimenes battalions of regulars, and the San Luis bat- 
talion of volunteers. 

"The General-in-Chief will, at the proper time, designate the 
points against which the attacking columns will operate, at which 
time commanding officers will also receive their orders. 

"The reserve will be composed of the battalion of Sappers 
and Miners, and the five companies of the Grenadiers of the 
Matamoros, Jimenes and Aldamas battalions of regulars, and of 
the Toluca and San Luis battalions of volunteers. 

"The reserve will be commanded by the General-in-Chief in 
person, at the time of making the attack, but these forces will 
be organized by Colonel Don Agustin Amat, under whose control 
they will remain from this evening, and who will conduct them 
to the point which will be designated to him at the proper time. 

"The first column will be provided with ten scaling ladders, 
two crow bars and two axes; the second will be provided with the 
same quantity; the third with six, and the fourth with two. The 
men carrying the ladders will sling their guns over their shoul- 
ders, so as to leave them entirely free to place their ladders 
wherever they may be directed. 

"Grenadier and cavalry companies will be supplied with six 
packages of cartridges to the man, and to the infantry companies 
four with two extra flints. The latter will be encumbered with 
neither overcoats, blankets nor anything which will impede the 
rapidity of their movements. During the day all caps will be 
provided with chin straps. Corps commanders will pay particu- 
lar attention to this provision, and are also required to see that 
the men are provided with .shoes, or other covering for their feet. 

"The men composing the attacking c( lumn will retire to rest at 
sundown, preparatory to moving at midnight. 

"The men not well drilled will remain at their quarters. 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 2^ 

"Arms, particularly bayonets, will be put in the best condition. 

"When the moon rises the riflemen of the San Luis battalion 
of volunteers will retire to their quarter, abandoning the points 
they cover along the line, so as to give them time to put their 
equipage in readiness. 

"The cavalry, under the command of General Don Joaquin 
Ramirezy y Sesma, will occupy the Alameda, and saddle up at 
3 o'clock in the morning. It will be their duty to watch the 
camp, and prevent the escape of anyone who may attempt to 
do so. 

"The honor of the nation, and of the army, being involved in 
this contest against the daring foreigners in our front. His Excel- 
lency, the General-in-Chief, expects that each man will perform 
his duty, and contribute his share in securing a day of glory to 
his country, and of honor to the Federal Government, which 
knows how to honor the brave men of the army of operations who 
shall distinguish themselves by performing feats of valor. 

Juan Valentine Amador." 

"I certify the foregoing to be a true copy. 

"Ramon Martines Coro, Secretary." 

"A correct translation. David G. Whiting. 

"Translator General Land Office." 

N. B. — This order, Becerra said, was issued March 5, 1836, 
and copied next day. 

This was the order given by the President of Mexico, and 
commander ot her armies, to six thousand Mexicans, the elite of 
the Mexican army, who had been besieging less than two hun- 
dred Texians for thirteen days. It speaks for itself. 

On March 7th General Santa Anna issued a " Proclamation," 
in which he speaks of the immolation of the Texians as a matter 
of justice, and argues that the "Army of Operations" has been 
marched into Texas for the performance of such deeds. 



z6 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 



REMARKS. 



Colonel Bowie had been ordered by General Houston to proceed 
to Goliad and adjacent points, and confer with officers in com- 
mand. General Houston's intention were to withdraw the Texian 
forces from advanced positions and concentrate them, with the 
object of meeting and defeating the Mexican army of invasion 
which was believed to be advancing upon Texas. After the per- 
formance of that duty he proceeded to San Antonio, where he 
resided. On the nth or 12th of February, 1836, Colonel Neill 
left San Antonio, accompanied by Deaf Smith. William Barrett 
Travis, L,ieutenant Colonel of the regular army of Texas, was 
deputed to the command. The volunteers on duty at San Antonio 
objected to be commanded by a regular officer. Colonel Travis, 
with a sincere desire to promote the public good, ordered an elec- 
tion. Colonel Bowie was the choice of the men. 

On February 14th a general report was made to Governor 
Smith, which concludes as follows: "By an understanding of 
to-day, Col. J. Bowie has command of the volunteers and Col. 
W. B. Travis of the regulars and volunteer cavalry. All general 
orders and correspondence will be, henceforth, signed by both 
until Col. Neill's return. James Bowie, 

" W. Barrett Travis, Commander of Volunteers." 

" Commander of Cavalry." 

[Col, Seth Shephard's oration on the "Fall of the Alamo," 
San Marcos, July 8th,", 1889.] 

James Butler Bonham had been a schoolmate of Col. Travis ; 
he was one of the messengers sent to Col. Fannin by Col. Travis 
asking for help. After the performance of that duty he delayed 
returning to the Alamo until March id. According to Hon. 
Seth Shephard, Bonham declined to remain outside San Antonio. 
He affirmed : ': I will report the result of my mission to Travis, 
01^ die in the attempt. " " Mounted on a cream-colored hor.se, with 
a white handkerchief floating from his hat — a signal previously 
arranged with Travis — he dashed through the Mexican lines 
amid a shower of bullets, and entered unharmed the gates which 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 27 

were thrown open to receive him. Unable to save his comrades, 
he was determined to die with them." 

Col. Bowie fell sick in the early part of the siege. Mrs. Can- 
delaria was his attendant. He died with unfaltering courage. 
A Mexican gentleman told Mrs. Sam Maverick that his body was 
hoisted on Mexican bayonets until a Mexican officer ordered 
them to desist. 

Mrs. Dr. Alsbury and her little sister were in the Alamo when 
it fell. A Mexican defender of the Alamo was bayone'cted while 
clinging to her for help, and to avoid death. She was carried off 
by the brother of her first husband. Her son, then small, is yet 
in San Antonio. , 

Mrs. Dickinson was allowed to^ leave the town. Her young 
child, afterwards styled " The Daughter of the Alamo," was her 
companion. They are both dead. 

Dr. Sutherland tells us something of Col. Crockett: ' Colonel 
David Crockett arrived, * * * with twelve others, direct 
from Tennessee. Crockett was immediately offered a command 
by Col. Travis, and called upon by the crowd for a speech. The 
former honor he would not accept ; but mounted a goods-box 
on the civil plaza, amid prolonged cheers of the people. The 
applause, however, was followed by profound silence, when the 
full-toned voice of the distinguished speaker rose gradually above 
the audience and fell smooth and lively upon the ears of all ; its 
sound was familiar to many who had heard it in days past, while 
the hearts of all beat a lively response to the patriotic sentiments 
which fell from his lips. Eloquent applause greeted him, as he 
related in his own peculiar style, some of those jolly anecdotes 
with which he often regaled his friends, and which he only could 
tell wilh appropriate grace. He alluded frequently to his past 
career, and during the course of his remarks stated that not long 
since he had been a candidate for Congress in his native district, 
and that during the canvass he told his constituents that 'if they 

did not elect him, they might all go to h , and he would go 

to Texas.' After which he concluded, in substance, as follows : 
'And fellow-citizens, I am among you. I hav.: come to your 
country, though I hope, not with any selfish motive whatever. 
I have come to aid you all that I can in youi noble cause. I 
shall identify jnyself with your interests, and all the honor that I 



28 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

desire is that of defending as a high private, in common with my 
fellow-citizens, the liberties of our common country.' " 

As long as liberty has a follower the names of Crockett and 
the other defenders of the Alamo will have an admirer. Their 
unselfish and undaunted heroism confers upon them the immortal 
remembrance of the lovers of freedom. The affair of the Alamo 
caused intense excitement in the United States, in fact, through- 
out the civilized world. An Englishman, named Nagle, had the 
honor of originating the " Monument Erected to the heroes of the 
Alamo." It stood at the entrance of the Capitol at Austin. This 
building was burned in 1880, and the monument suffered injury. 
On the top of each front were the names of Travis, Bowie, Crock- 
ett and Bonham. The inscription on the north front was : ''To 
The God Of The Fearless And The Free Is Dedicated This Altar 
Of The ALAMO." On the west front : " Blood of Heroes Hath 
Stained me. Let The Stones of The ALAMO Speak, That Their 
IMMOLATION Be Not FORGOTTEN." On the south front: 
'• Be They Enrolled With Leonidas In The Ho.st Of The Mighty 
Dead." On the ea.st front : "Thermopylae Had Her Messenger 
of Defeat, But The ALAMO Had NONE." 

Mrs. Maverick and Mrs. Canterbury, at that time Mrs. Wilson 
I. Riddle, both were acquainted with Mr. Nagle, and speak 
kindly of him. He received from the Legislature of Texas a 
small consideration for the monument, and is since dead. His 
memory should be honored by every friend of Texas. 

Sergeant Becerra was made a prisoner at San Jacinto. In the 
war between Mexico and the United States he was in the service 
of the latter. When he died he was a Mexican veteran of the 
United States. 

Colonel Travis' son was a member of the Legislature of Texas. 
He was a captain in the regular army of the United States, and 
belonged to the regiment commanded by Col. Sydney Johnson. 
He had a daughter also. She was living some years ago. 

After the fall of the Alamo there were thirty-three wives left 
widows in Gonzales. 

Mr. J. W. Smith was highly respected by the Texians. He 
died while a member of Congress at Washington, on the Brazos 
river. He is worthy of consideration as one of the tried and true 
friends of Texas in her days of peril. 

Dr. Sutherland lived many years after the revolution of 1836, 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 2^ 

He was honored by all as one of the able and trusted men who 
served his country with zeal and fidelity when her cause appeared 
almost hopeless. He died full of years and full of honors. 

Mrs. Candelaria is till living. She claims to be over one hun- 
dred years of ag:r. The State of Texas has granted her a pension. 

However, want of space prevents the mention of many who 
performed important services to Texas in the days of trial and 
adversity. 

Captain Reuben M. Potter, U. S. A., retired, was an efiicient 
friend of the Republic of Texas. In the days of gloom he wrote 
the " Hymn of the Alamo," and predicted the success of her 
cause, which is herewith presented : 

"Rise ! mau the wall — our clarion's blast 

Now sounds its final reveille — 
This dawning morn must be the last 

Our fated band shall ever see. 
To life, but not to hope, farewell ; 

Your trumpet's clang, and cannon's peal, 
And storming shout, at d clash of steel 

Is ours, but not our country's knell. 
Welcome the Spartan's death — 

'Tis no despairing strife — 
We fall — we die — but our expiring breath 

Is freedom's breath of life. 

" 'Here on this new Thermopylae 

Our monument shall tower on high, 
And 'Alamo' hereafter be 

On bloodier fields the battle cry.' 
Thus Travis from the rampart cried. 

And when his warriors saw the foe 
Like whelming billows move below. 

At once each dauntless heart replied : 
'Welcome the Spartan's death — 

'Tis no despairing strife — 
We fall — we die — but our expiring breath 

Is freedom's breath of life. 

"They come — like autumn leaves they fall 

Yet hordes on hordes they onward rush ; 
With gory tramp they mount the wall 

Till numbers the defenders crush. 
The last was felled — the fight to gain — 

Well may the ruffians quake to tell 
How Travis and his hundred fell 

Amid a thousand foemen slain. 
They died 'he vSpartan's death. 

But not in hopeless strife ; 
L/ike brothers died — and their expiring breath 

Was freedom's breath of life. 

The convention of Texas met at Washington, on the Brazos, 
March i, 1836. On the second day of that month they i.ssued 



JO ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

a declaration of independence. They formed a constitution, 
elected David G. Burnet provisional president, Lorenzo de Zavala 
vice-president. They also pronounced Sam Houston general- in- 
chief of the Texas army. President Burnet appointed the fol- 
lowing gentlemen as his cabinet : 

Samuel P. Carson Secretary of State 

Bailey Hardeman Secretary of the Treasury 

Thomas J. Rusk Secretary of War 

Robert Potter Secretary of the Navy 

David Thomas Attorney General 

They adjourned, and many of the members proceeded at once 
to the Texas army. 

On the 2ist day of April, 1836, the battle of San Jacinto was 
fought. General Lopez de Santa Anna, president of Mexico, 
and commander-in-chief of her army, was made a prisoner of war. 
He recognized the independence of Texas. The balance of the 
Mexican army, in accordance with its stipulations, was permitted 
to march out of Texas unmolested. Mexico received the benefits 
of the treaty, and according to the laws of nations could not go 
back on that agreement, inuring to her benefit. Texas became 
sovereign, free and independent by reason of that treaty. 

SAN ANTONIO EVENTS. 

In the papers preserved at San Antonio is an account of a 
visit to the place of LaFitte, the celebrated pirate. He was 
placed in confinement, and alterwards liberated. General X. B. 
Debray translated the document. The General published the 
account several years since. 

Below are given some notices of events without regard to the 
date. 

During the contest of the Mexican revolution, there were 
operations near San Antonio. In 18 12, Lieut. Magee, late of the 
United States army, conveyed a force into Texas. He assumed 
the rank of colonel. He captured La Bahia-Goliad. He died 
there. Major Kemper succeeded him. He marched to San 
Antonio at the head of 1500 men. Gen. Salcedo, with a force of 
2500 men, met him on the Salado, about nine miles from town, 
where a fight occurred. The Americans were successful, losing 
only a few men. The Imperials lost more than 1000, with all 
their camp equipage. This engagement occurred about March 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO 31 

28, 1813. The next day Col. Kemper entered San Antonio. 
Fourteen officers of rank were made prisoners. Gen. Bernardo, 
who was ostensibly in command of the revolutionists, now 
assumed more authority. He ordered Capt. Delgado to escort 
these officers to the coast, where it was pretended a vessel lay, 
where they were to embark for New Orleans. /• Delgado proceeded 
a few miles from the city, where he massacred these officers in 
cold blood. This criminal act was the cause of profound dis- 
approval by the Americans. Colonel Kemper and Major Ross 
resigned and left Texas. It was ascertained that Gen. Bernardo 
had authorized Capt. Delgado to commit the barbarous tragedy, 
and he was relieved from command. 

Captain Perry assumed command of the Americans. General 
Klizondo, who betrayed Hidalgo to the Spaniards, entered Texas 
with about 3000 men. He moved to the vicinity of San Antonio, 
dispersed and killed many of the guard in charge of the Ameri- 
can horses, yet failed to enter the city. Elizondo encamped on 
the Alazau creek, and had erected two bastions. The Ameri- 
cans decided on a plan of battle. On the night of October 4, 
1815, they marched out of town and attacked the Royalists early 
in the morning while prayers were being said. After several 
hours of hard fighting the Spaniards fled, having lost a thousand 
in killed, wounded and prisoners ; American loss, forty-.seven 
killed and the same number wounded, most of whom died. 

Just after this affair General Toledo, a Cuban, arrived and 
took command. He organized a governing junta, appointed 
civil officers and restored the reign of law and order. 

Gen. Elizondo retreated in the direction of the Rio Grande, 
Gen. Arredondo was commandant of that section. He united his 
forces with those of Elizondo and set out for San Antonio, South 
of the Medina river he threw up a breastwork in the form of a 
capital A, the open part facing San Antonio. In advance of this 
he placed some men. The republicans came — attacked the ad- 
vance. They charged the advance, pursued them into the forks 
of the work, where the Spaniards opened a terrific fire upon them 
from each side of their works. Gen. Toledo had unfortunately 
placed the Americans upon the right and left wings of his army. 
After discovering the trap he had entered. Gen. Toledo ordered a 
retreat. The American left wing obeyed, but the right wing re- 
fused, saying "they never retreated." These men continued to 



j2 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

fight. "They performed progidies of valor." In the unequal 
contest nearly all of them were killed. The retreating column 
was pursued by the Spanish cavalry, and many of them were 
butchered. The retreat was continued across Texas. Seventy 
or eighty republicans surrendered at Spanish Bluff, on Trinity 
river. They were inhumanly butchered. "Only ninety-three 
Americans succeeded in reaching Nacogdoches." This was the 
end of the American campaign in Texas in 1812 and 1813. 
Arredondo treated the people of Bexar with much cruelty — tried 
to confiscate property, forced ladies to cook for soldiers, and 
mistreated men. 

An American, George Antonio Nixon, who came to San An- 
tonio at an early day, affirmed that the day he arrived a swarm 
of bees settled on the Catholic church in the Main Plaza. He 
said many Mexicans asserted that the North Americans would 
soon follow the bees. He seemed to believe that the Mexicans 
of this section generally entertained that opinion. He died in 
San Augustine many years ago. 

During 18 19 General Long entered Texas. He established a 
provisional government at Nacogdoches — declared Texas an in- 
dependent republic. He sought L,aFitte's assistance, and failed 
to obtain it. He eventually conducted an expedition to La 
Bahia, which 'he captured. From this period his history is 
problematical. He was carried to the City of Mexico where he 
was assassinated. His wife remained at Point Bolivar many 
months awaiting his return. The morning and evening guns 
were fired with regularity. Eventually her friends informed her 
of the General's fate, and relieved her. She was a lady of fine 
accomplishments and great bravery. 

In 1 83 1, Colonel Bowie, in charge of nine men and two ser- 
vants, formed a party to visit a silver mine near the head of San 
Saba river. While on the way they were informed by Isaonie, a 
chief of the Comanches, that a large party of Wacoes and Two- 
wokanas were following them, determined to take their scalps. 
The Americans moved on. They had arrived within a few miles 
of the San Saba river. They were preparing to break camp when 
they were saluted by the war whoop by one hundred and sixty-four 
Indians. Arrangements were promptly made for defense. A 
terrific resistance was made. Many Indians were killed. They 
fired the grass, but with no good effect. During the burning of 





JM;- 







fr?"*" 



r 




\ 



SAN ANTONIO IN 1853. 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 33 

the grass they removed their]dead. That night they cried over 
their dead. The next morning they carried them to a cave a 
mile off. They then left. Their loss was reported to be eighty- 
one killed and wounded ; American loss, one man killed, three 
wounded ; one horse killed, three wounded. 

They remained in camp about eight days, taking care of the 
wounded, then marched slowly for home. Mr. Hamm, one of 
the party, over eighty years of age, described the fight to the 
writer. They reached San Antonio after nightfall. The people 
had concluded they had been killed. When it was ascertained 
that Col. Bowie and party had returned, the people were rejoiced. 
They illuminated the place and did all they could to welcome 
the visitors. 

Gen. Sam Houston came to Texas in 1832. He was advised 
to come by Gen. Andrew Jackson. He appears to have bad 
authority as an agent to the Cherokee and other United States 
Indians. 

In February, 1840, the Comanche Indians were requested to 
meet the Texas Secretary of War, Gen. A. S. Johnson and others 
at San Antonio. They agreed to bring with them thirteen white 
captives. They came, and brought but one. Miss Lockhart. 
She told they had others in their camps. The Americans very 
candidly told the Comanche chiefs they would have to bring in 
the other prisoners, comply with their words, before they could 
or would be liberEted. The Comanches seemed to talk with 
bravado and defiantly. The company of Capt. Tom Howard was 
marched into the council room. The Comanches were told they 
would be held as prisoners until the other prisoners were brought 
in. The Comanches began fighting at once. The}' wounded 
Capt. Howard. The fight became general. Thirty-two warriors, 
three women and two children were killed. Twent3'-seven 
women and children were made prisoners. Texian loss, seven 
killed and eight wounded. A Comanche woman afterwards 
braught in six or seven prisoners. This affair was preceded by a 
long and bloody war. 

On August ID, 1840, the battle of Plum Creek was fought; 
from fiftygto eighty Comanches killed. Texians commanded by 
General Felix Houston. Captain Ben McCulloch deserves great 
credit for preparing the citizens to attack the Indians. In that 



34- ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

engagement a man shot a squaw, and exclaimed: "By jingo ! I 
am thinning them now." 

In 1841 Captain John C. Hays began gaining distinction as a 
successful commander. He was situated near San Antonio, and 
was the defender of the southern and western frontier. On April 
7, 1841, he defeated the Mexicans near lyaredo. 

March 5, 1842, General Rafael Vazquez sent Colonel Corazco to 
demand the surrender of San Antonio. The reply was promised 
the next day by two o'clock, through Mr. Van Ness and Mr. 
Morris. Meantime, Capt. Hays and company had concluded to 
retreat upon the Guadalupe. Vasquez came into the city. Con- 
siderable private property was taken by private soldiers. A goodly 
number of Mexican citizens left San Antonio with the invaders. 
They remained but two days. 

April II, 1842, Gen. Adrian WoU entered San Antonio at the 
head of 1200 men. Capt. Hays had retired to the Salado, about 
eight miles distant- Capt. Matthew Caldwell, with eighty men, 
joined Hays. The latter was sent to San Antonio to entice Gen. 
Woll to pursue him. WoU advanced with 800 men, and found 
Caldwell on the creek with 220 men. Woll attacked Caldwell 
about eleven o'clock. At sundown he retired, sustaining an esti- 
mated loss of sixty killed and sixty wounded ; Texian loss, one 
killed and nine wounded. Capt. Dawson, of lya Grange, Texas, 
in command of 53 men, was marching to assist Col. Caldwell. 
He was attacked by a portion of -Gen. Woll's command. He 
halted his men in a grove of mesquite bushes. The enemy used 
artillery. Capt. Dawson sent out a white flag. It was disre- 
garded, and fired on. Thirty-two of Dawson's men were killed, 
fifteen surrendered ; many were wantonly butchered after they 
yielded themselves prisoners of war. 

Many men were hurrying to the scene of conflict. Gen. Woll 
seemed to appreciate the fact. He ordered his baggage to leave 
for Mexico that night. The command followed the next morn- 
ing, April 1 8th. He acquired considerable plunder, and several 
Mexicans abandoned Texas and went with him. 

Gen. Woll made 63 prisoners at San Antonio, many of them 
men of distinction. Among them were Colonel Sam Maverick, 
Judge Hutchinson, Major Colquhon, Judge William E. Jones, 
Wilson I and John Riddle, John Twohig, Pat Morgan, Dr. Booker, 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 33 

Dr. McKay, John Howard and other gentlemen of respectability 
and influence. 

Colonel Caldwell's force was then increased to about 500 men. 
His intention was to force Gen, Woll to fight. It was unfor- 
tunately the fact that ambitious men desired to command. They 
converted the expedition into an electioneering hubbub ; let Gen. 
Woll escape, after Capt. Hays had attacked and captured one of 
his batteries. Colonel Caldwell had done exceedingly well and 
merited the command. 

"COLT'S SIX -SHOOTERS. " 

The five-shooters, the invention of Col. Colt, were offered to 
the public some time before they were recognized and adopted as 
the]^best' firearm of that class then in existence. Few were sold, 
and the inventor was losing heart. Mr. Swante Swinson, in early 
days a merchant in Austin. Texas, and since a banker in the 
City of New York, was a friend of Col. Colt. He made him a 
present of two five-shooters. Mr. vSwinson had the good sense to 
discover^ their value. He was instrumental in procuring their 
delivery to Capt. Hays. He approved them. The then govern- 
ment of the -Republic of Texas procured a supply of the pistols 
and armed Ha5^s' rangers. 

In 1844 Hays had a command of about fourteen men on a small 
creek, probably thirty miles above San Antonio. He discovered 
in his neighborhood a command of seventy-five Comanches. They 
were waiting for an advantage to attack. Hays was too adroit 
to give them that advantage. They formed on a hill. He gal- 
loped around it and attacked them in the rear. The Indians 
charged them. They formed in a circle and used both rifle and 
pistol. The Comanches used their lances. They were greatly 
surprised at the repeating pi.stols. They moved off, followed by 
the indomitable rangers. On two occasions the chief induced 
them to charge again. He was making a third effort when Gil- 
lespie shot him. The Indians retreated in wild confusion. Capt. 
Gillespie was killed in the fight at Monterey. Sam Walker, after- 
wards a colonel in Mexico, and killed at Huamantla, was wounded 
also. Many others were slightly hurt. The Comanches suffered 
a loss of thirty-five. This engagement placed the Colt's five- 
shooter in general notice and high esteem. 

Col. Sam Walker, during the Mexican war, visited Col, Colt. 



j6 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

He was reported to have recommended a larger weapon than the 
five-shooter. When Col. Hays' regiment reached Vera^Cruz, in 
Mexico, in the fall of 1847, there they found a supply of six- 
shooters, and his command was armed with them. The soldiers, 
some of them, were unacquainted with them and suffered some 
accidents. The writer remembers one man wounding his own 
foot, another killing his own horse, and so on. 

John S. Ford, One of the Committee. 



In addition to the foregoing, your committee have concluded 
to add the annexed : 

The points occupied by the Mexican forces during the siege 
of the Alamo, particularly on the morning of March 6, 1836, are 
of interest. A fort was built northeast of the Alamo, which was 
situated, probably, on what is now known as Dignowity Hill. ' 
This conclusion is .strengthened by the fact that in making im- 
provements on that hill cannon balls and other articles of that 
character were found. These balls may have been thrown from 
the Alamo. It is probable that the present site of the street, 
Avenue C, was included by the troops occupying that fort. The 
cavalry were stationed at the foot of what was then known as 
Powder House Hill to prevent escapes from the Alamo. That 
section is now covered by graveyards. The Mexicans moved in 
four columns when they made the final attack. Of course, they 
advanced from four different points. 

The people and the Legislature have endeavored to honor the 
memory of the men who were prominently engaged in defense of 
the country. The capital of the State is named in commemoration 
of Stephen F. Au.stin, the father of Texas. The capital of the 
Republic of Texas in early days was named Houston, in honor of 
Gen. Sam Houston, the Washington of Texas. Travis, the 
county in which the present capital is located, was named for 
the disinterested patriot, who sacrificed his life in the cause of 
Texas. Bowie, Bonham, in fact nearly all of the heroes of the 
Alamo, and quite all the men who di.stinguished themselves in 
the service of the Republic and the State of Texas have been 
remembered by a grateful people. 

Among these is Col. Juan N. Seguin, who was an officer at San 
Jacinto, and for whom the town of Seguin is named. 



ORIGIN AND PALL OF THE ALAMO. j/ 

The weight of years, and in many instances, the hand of pov- 
erty is laid heavily upon the old patriots who nobly aided Texas 
in her days of infancy and feebleness. Some of those who suffered, 
fought and talked for the Lone Star State, yet live in San Antonio . 
We may mention : Mrs. Mary Maverick, Mrs. Elizabeth Canter- 
bury, Mrs. Amanda J. Dignowity, Capt. Nat Mitchell, a former 
soldier of San Jacinto, William McMasters, veteran of San Jacinto, 
Gen. H. P. Bee, Col. John S. Ford, Jacob Golls, Mexican veteran, 
Mr. George Linswiler, Capt. William Edgar, Capt. P. S. Buquor, 
formerly mayor of San Antonio, and a few others whose names are 
not remembered. 

C. L. Dignowity, Chairman, 
H. P. Bee, 
Wm. H. Young. 




ss 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 



A list of the names of those who fell in the Alamo, at San 
Antonio de Bexar, 6th March, 1836: 



NAME 



W. Barrett Travis. .. 

James Bowie 

J. Wiishinglon 

Forsyth 

Harrison 

William Blazeley . . 
Wm. C. M. Baker .. 

S. B. Evaus 

W. R.Carey 

S. C. Blair 

Gilmore 

Robert White 

John Jones 

J. G.Baugh 

Robert Evans 

Williamson. 

Charles Despalier . . . 

Eliel Melton 

Atiderson. . . 

Burwell 

Dr. Michison 

Dr. Amos Pollard. 

Dr. Thompson 

Green B. Jemi.son. .. 

David Crockett 

K. Nelson 

NeLson 

Wm. H. Smith 

Lewis Johnson 

E. P. Mitchell 

F. Desanque 

Thurston... 

Moore 

Chri.stopher Parker. 

C. Husk ell 

Rose 

John Blair 

David Wilson.. 

John M. Hays 

Stuart 

W. K. Simpson 

W. D. Sutherland . . . 

Dr. W. Howell 

Butler 

Charles Smith. .. . .. 

McGregor. . . 

Rusk 



Charles Hawkins . .. 
Samuel Holloway... 

Brown 

C. S. Smith 

Browne 

Kedeson 

Wm. Wells 

Wm. Cummings 

Voluntine. . . 

Cockran 

«. W. Valentine 

S. Holloway 

Isaac White 

Day 

Robert Muselman. .. 
Robert Crossman.. . 

Richard Starr 

J. G. Garrett 

James Dimkin 

Rebel t B. Moore 

Wm. Ivinii 

Hutchinson. 

Will. Johnson 

E. Nelson 

Geo. Tumlinson . . . . 



RANK 



Lt.-Colonel 

Captain 



Lieutenant 
Lt. -Adjutant 
Lt.-Ma.st Ord. 
Sergt. -Major 
Aid to Travis 
Lt. -Quartermaster 
Asst. " 



Surgeon 



Ensign 
Private 



WHERE FROM 



Commandant 

Tennessee 

New York 

Tennessee 

Louisiana N. O. -Greys 

Mississippi 

Texas 
Te ■ as 
Tennessee 

N. O. Greys 

Ireland 



Tennessee 
South Carolina 
Texas 

Nacogdoches 
Trinity, TeAas 
Georgia 

Philadelphia, Penn. 
Kentucky 

Natchez,^ Miss. 

Nacogdoches 
Nacogdoches 
Nacogdoches 
Tennessee 



Navidad, Texas 
New Orleans 
New Orleans 

Scotland 

Ireland 

Philadelphia 

Tennessee 
Penu.sylvania 



New Orleans 

New Orleans 

England 

New Orleans (or Gaiietti 

England 

New Orleans 

Boston 



Philadelphia 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THF ALAMO. 



39 



LIST OF ^KWM'S^.— Continued. 



NAME 



Win. Deardorf 

Dan'l Bourne 

Ingram 

W I. Lewis 

Charles Zanco 

James Ewing 

Robert Cunningham. 

S. Burns 

George Neggin 

J. B. Bonham 

Robinson 

Marcu.s Sewell 

Harriss 

John Flanders 

Isaac Ryan 

I. Jackson 

Almeron Dickinson . . 
George C. Kimbell... 

James (icorge 

Dolphin Floyd 

Thomas Jackson 

Jacob Durst 

George W. Cottle. ... 
Andrew Kent 

Thomas R. Miller... 

Isaac Baker 

William King 

Jesse McCoy 

Claiborne Wright... 
William Fishhack . . 

I.saac Millsaps 

Galba Fuqua 

John Davis 

.\lbert Martin. 

John 

B. A. M. Thomas 



WHERE FROM 



Private 



Lieutenant 
Private 



Kn'.'land 
jKngland 
1 Wales, 

Denmark 



ilreland 

South Carolina 
Scotland 

(Shoe Maker) 
Kentucky 

Opelousas 
Ireland 
Gonzales | n 
Gonzales 
Gonzales 
Gonzales 
Gonzales 
Gonzales 
Gonzales 
Gonzales 
Gonzales , 
Gonzales ' 
Gonzales 
Gonzales 
Gonzales I ^^-5 
Gonzales | ■-.S' 
Gonzales I J; o 
Gonzales 1 u u 
Gonzales | ij^ 
Gonzales 1 iji 
Clerk to Desanque 
Killed in Alamo 



o iJ 



The foregoing list is not included in the general certificate Feb. 17, 1839. 



A list of the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volun- 
teers, mustered into service on the 23d day of February, 1836, 
by Byrd Lockhart, acting commissioner for that purpose and aid- 
de-camp to the acting Governor of Texas, attached to Travis' 
command: 



NAME 


RANK 


REMARKS 


George C. Kimbell 

William A. Irwin 


Lieutenant 

1st Sergeant 

Private 


Killed 

Kille ' 
Killed 
Killed 

Killed 

Killed 
Killed 

Killed 
Killed 
Killed 
Killed 
Killed 
Killed 

Killed 




Jesse^McCoy 




William Fahbaigh 

John G. King 

Daniel McCoy, Jr 




Jacob Durst 




Frederick C. Elm 




ProspectjMcCoy 

M. L. Sewell 




Robert White 




John Ballard., 




James Nash 

William Morri-son 




(iaiba Fuqua 




A. Devault 




John Harriss 




Andrew 'Kent 




Isaac Millsaps 




William E. Summers 

David Kent 




John Davis 





^o ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

To these Mrs. Candelaria adds the following Mexicans: 

Jose Marera Cabrera. Tula, Mexico. Jose Maria limenes, Mexico. 

Elijio or Elias I.,osoyo, Sau Autonio. Jacinto, from the coast of Texas. 

These make 169 slain. Dr. Sutherland stated 172. 



Adjutant General's Office, 
Austin, March 11, 1850. 
I hereby certify the foregoing to be true copies of the original 
muster rolls now on file in this office. 

BEN F. HILL, 
Adjutant General. 

Certificates from James S. Gillett, Adjutant General, dated 
March 19 and December 29, 1853, attached to copy of muster roll 
now on file in this office, show that Micajah Antry and Lewis 
Duel were killed at the Alamo. 

General Land Office, ) 
Austin, Texas, March 30, 1889. ) 
L R. M. Hall, Commissioner of the General Land Office of the 
State of Texas, hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a 
true and correct copy of the copy of the names of those who fell 
at the Alamo on the 6th of March, 1836, now on file in this office. 
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and 
affix the impress of the seal of said office this 
March 30, 1889. 

R. M. HALL, 

Commissioner. 

Jonathan Linly, fell at the Alamo, vouched for by J. D. Parker, 
of Birdville, Tarrant county, Texas, as per his letter to the Asso- 
ciation, dated October 23, 1892, and on this statement the name 
of Jonathan Linly will be placed on the Alamo monument. 
ALAMO MONUMENT ASSOCIATION, 

H. P. Bee, Sec'y. 



Alamo Monument Association. 



San Antonio, Texas. 



CHARTERED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS 



MRS. MARY A. MAVERICK President 

NATHANIEL MITCHELL Vice President 

JOHN S. FORD Vice President 

HAMILTON P. BEE Secretary 

DIRECTORS. 

W. H. Young, James McMaster , 

Mrs Geo. Newton, Mrs A. J. Dignowity, 

Mrs. Geo Chabot, Sr , Sam Maverick, 

Morrill Poor, R. B. Green, 

C. L. Dignowity, Carlos Bee, 

Bryan Callaghan, Sam Lytle, 

Arthur Seeligson, Hart Mussey. 



Published bv authoritv. 



H. P. Bee. 

Sec'y Alamo Monument Ass'n. 




PROPOSED ALAMO MONUMENT. 



I 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



llllil.lllLlll Hi llllll 111 I'll''" miWm 
014 645 245 



